“Odyssey has made a real difference in consumers’ knowledge about the importance of alternative fuel vehicles in creating a better world for future generations,” said Judy Moore, National AFV Day Odyssey Coordinator. “But, we still have a long way to go. With the rapid change in technology, we need to keep providing the public with information on these vehicles that provide alternative transportation options for a clean, secure energy future.”

Odyssey 2014 kicked off on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. with a panel of representatives, including keynote speaker U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Reuben Sarkar.

“Odyssey Day addresses one of the most difficult challenges in increasing our transportation system’s sustainability – informing and educating consumers,” said Sarkar. “It facilitates the face-to-face contact that’s fundamental to changing how people think about alternative fuel vehicles.”

With an estimated attendance of more than 250,000 people at the 107 local events, attendees experienced vehicles up close and gained a better understanding of the choices available, their benefits and unique characteristics. Events were hosted by organizations such as U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities coalitions, American Lung Association chapters and educational institutions from middle and high schools to universities.

More than 150 models of cars and trucks are available that use alternative fuels, with more introduced by automobile manufacturers every year. These fuels include natural gas, propane, biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen and electricity.

“We are proud of the work that West Virginia University’s National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium is doing through their National AFV Day Odyssey program to provide alternative vehicle education to consumers,” said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. “The adoption of these vehicles is making a significant impact in increasing our energy independence.”

The Propane Education and Research Council and American Honda Motor Company sponsored Odyssey 2014. National partners included the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Program, Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps.

Additional information about National AFV Day Odyssey and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium is available at http://afvdayodyssey.org.